Budding entrepreneurs on three Bradford estates have been given a helping hand to set-up their own businesses.

Residents on the Buttershaw, Woodside and Delph Hill estates have won support from a special fund run by the Royds Community Association.

The Phoenix Fund offers financial support and expert guidance to residents keen to take on a new venture - and able to prove they will make a success of it.

So far 11 businesses have opened, creating 31 new jobs for local people - 12 of whom had previously been out of work.

All the new companies must be based in the Royds area and are encouraged to employ as many local residents as possible.

Lisa Burnett, Royds' community enterprise marketing manager, said many residents had excellent business ideas and just need guidance and start-up capital to make them a reality.

"The people come to us and we talk through their business idea. Then we work out a business plan and offer finance to get them up and running.

"By the time they are awarded the money, we know that they are going to be successful. These businesses will be around for a long time to come."

Paula Firth set-up travel agency Trippers of Wyke three months ago with help from the Phoenix Fund.

She received a start-up grant in July and, despite suffering repeated break-ins, she said business has been brisk.

"I couldn't have done this without the support from Royds," she said. "It has been a really big help to me.

"It is brilliant. You can go to the association with any ideas or any problems you encounter, but you must prove the business will be viable."

Trippers is one of five new businesses now taking part in a special raffle to raise about £2,000 for Children In Need. Each of the businesses - including Amber Fire Surrounds, swing and jazz band Granny Thompson's Big Bald Head, and car valet firm INEX - is offering a prize.

Anne Ludbrook, co-owner of A2 Beauty Studio, the latest Phoenix business which opened yesterday, said she was delighted to help out with the fund-raising. "We thought we could help Royds with this because they have been so helpful to us and it also good to support the charity," she said.